S|W: The SaaS Weekly – Why Microsoft no longer scares startups

The SaaS Weekly is a weekly newsletter covering major SaaS news from Canada and around the globe.

Subscribe to S|W using the form at the bottom of this page to ensure you don’t miss out on the most important SaaS news every week!


Lightspeed files for anticipated IPO (BETAKIT)

The much-anticipated IPO has been in the works since 2017, and appears to be right on target with the company’s goals, as Dax Dasilva, founder and CEO of Lightspeed, told BetaKit that Lightspeed hoped to file its IPO in early 2019.


BetterCloud can now manage any SaaS application(TECHCRUNCH)

As founder and CEO David Politis explains, a tool like Okta provides a way to authenticate your SaaS app, but once an employee starts using it, BetterCloud gives you visibility into how it’s being used.


Roofr raises $4 million after completing Y Combinator (BETAKIT)

“What excites us about Roofr is their ability to bring a large, offline market to the digital age.”


Aurora Solar’s computer-generated installation maps pull in a $20M Series A (TECHCRUNCH)

The acquisition furthers Dropbox’s goal of becoming “a place for people to come together to co-create and collaborate on their content — connecting people with the functionality they need to do their best work.”


Microsoft used to scare startups but is now an ‘outstandingly good partner,’ says Silicon Valley investor Ben Horowitz(CNBC)

Microsoft has previously done deals with open-source companies like Hortonworks, and it recently acquired an open-source database company, Citus Data.


FreshBooks adds bank reconciliation and double-entry accounting to software (BETAKIT)

“Small businesses that send invoices have unique needs that are hugely underserved by the accounting software market.”


Intelity raises $44 million for hotel guest engagement cloud services (VENTUREBEAT)

Ketos is developing a hybrid hardware and SaaS-based water intelligence platform.


Productboard raises further $10M for its product management system (TECHCRUNCH)

The round is led by Index Ventures, and sees Index General Partner Jan Hammer joining the board.


6 questions to ask before choosing a SaaS or hybrid cloud VoIP system (TECHTARGET)

Before choosing a SaaS or hybrid cloud VoIP vendor, it’s important for organizations to create a list of must-have features that can be used to narrow down their selection criteria.


brumbrum raises €20M in Series B funding (FINSMES)

The round was led by Accel, with participation from Bonsai Venture Capital, e.ventures, and United Ventures.


Car subscription service Cluno scores $28M in Series B funding led by Peter Thiel’s Valar Ventures (TECHCRUNCH)

The round is led by Valar Ventures, the U.S.-based venture capital firm founded by Peter Thiel.


Uber finally brings ridesharing to Saskatchewan, launching in Saskatoon (BETAKIT)

Uber is also working to become available into cities across Canada, including Vancouver and Halifax.


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Amira Zubairi

Amira Zubairi is a staff writer and content creator at BetaKit with a strong interest in Canadian startup, business, and legal tech news. In her free time, Amira indulges in baking desserts, working out, and watching legal shows.

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